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With spring break coming up
April 6-10, students at California State University, Fresno have been
alerted to a travel advisory issued by the State Department warning
against traveling to U.S.-Mexico border towns due to an increase in
crime and violence.
Several universities across the country have taken similar action.
A notice posted Monday, March 9, in the Bulldog Blog, the biweekly
e-mail newsletter sent by Associated Students Inc. to all Fresno State
students, says:
“A travel alert was issued by the U.S. Department of State in October
warning travelers that crime rates have increased sharply in Tijuana,
Juarez and Nogales – all Mexican border cities that have experienced
public shootouts during the daytime in shopping centers and other public
places. The department warned that criminals have followed and harassed
Americans driving in border areas.”
While Fresno State does not typically issue travel advisories for
students, Student Affairs Vice President Paul M. Oliaro and Associated
Students, Inc. President Graham Wahlberg said there is increasing
concern about potential danger and they want students to be aware of it.
“The last thing I want is for my fellow students to be in dangerous
situations during spring break,” said Wahlberg. “There are so many
opportunities here to engage in our community.”
As an alternative to traveling on spring break, Fresno State students
are being encouraged to consider participating in a community-service
project.
“Some of our students do undertake community service projects during the
week-long break, while many others use that time to work and earn extra
funds,” Oliaro said.
Students, faculty and staff interested in community service projects
during the break or at other times can contact the Jan and Bud Richter
Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning on campus,
559.278.7079.
Chris Fiorentino, Richter Center director, said informational event
March 25 will include service opportunities available during spring
break.
A new project, "Alternative Spring Break", which will involve a small
group of students in a series of organized service activities during the
week off, will be announced in coming days.
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